CHOICE (formerly known as Youth Leadership Group) is a youth coalition that focuses on peer-to-peer substance use prevention and mental health initiatives.
Co-facilitated by ACT staff and SVSU’s Prevention Coordinator, CHOICE is a partnership between ACT and Mt. Anthony Union Middle and High Schools.
“The reason why I joined the group was to help people in our community. Another important thing to me was to try to help kids with their mental health and make sure their voice can be heard.” – Lucy P.
Each year, students participate in UP for Learning’s “Getting to Y” training, gaining skills to interpret Youth Risk Behavior Survey data on the health and well-being of their peers. But they don’t stop at the numbers—they use what they learn to spark change!
CHOICE members take a close look at SVSU data on key issues like substance misuse, mental health, bullying, school safety, and protective factors—things that help young people thrive, like belonging and strong support networks. With this knowledge, they create campaigns to make a meaningful impact in our schools and community.
Recent & Past Projects:
- Calm Down Boxes (ongoing) – Put together kits with fidgets, stress-relief tools, and simple ways to help students relax and manage big feelings during the school day.
- Community Presentations – Presented to the Select Board and Project Alliance on youth mental health, highlighting key concerns, sharing local data, and advocating for community support and resources.
- Sunshine Boxes (ongoing) – Delivered themed monthly boxes with fun activities and mental health resources to bring joy and support to MAUMS students.
- Weekly Wellness Announcements – Shared uplifting quotes and wellness tips during morning announcements to foster positivity and connection.
- Vape Prevention Posters – Designed and placed educational posters in school bathrooms, providing facts about vaping’s impact and offering quit resources for students seeking support.
- Bulletin Boards – Created themed displays on friendship, brain health, and Pride, featuring mental health, substance use, and crisis support resources.
- Community Dialogue & Dinner – Hosted an annual event to share the group’s impact, featuring special guest Miss Vermont 2022, Alexina Federhen, who spoke on youth mental health.
- Social Media Campaign – Posted inspiring quotes and images every Friday during COVID lockdown.
📧 Contact Alyssa Irizarry for more information or if you are interested in joining!
